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nVisti Kestrel Companion Pro
For Android
The nVisti Kestrel Companion App is the most versatile, accurate and user friendly dual purpose app available. This app allows for both remote viewing for firing
solutions, and gun profile management on a Kestrel Applied Ballistics Device. This app also provides full access to the custom drag curve library. This page is
dedicated to presenting operational requirements, along with the many features and their proper use. Kestrel Connection to iPhone is not available at this time.
Features
Operational Overview
Main Screen
Device Selection and
Pairing
Settings
Target Engagement
Single Target
Multiple Targets
Gun Profile Management
Gun Creation/Deletion
Uploading/Downloading
Profiles to Kestrel
Environment:
Initialization screen and Menu
Single Target Engagement
Multiple Target Engagement
Gun Profile Management
Requirements:
Features
The following table lists the features of the Kestrel Companion app and gives a brief explanation of what they are/do. Greater detail along with directions
for how to properly use all the features is given below in the instructional sections of this page.
Application
The Kestrel Companion Pro App uses the Ballistic Solver built in to Kestrel Device. All calculations are run on the Kestrel, and it
requires a Bluetooth Kestrel in order to run. It is compatible with the Applied Ballistics and Sportsman versions. This app also
supports the uploading and downloading of gun profiles to a Kestrel Device, allowing for gun profile development in the field,
and the use of the custom drag curve library without the PC Profile Loader.
Single Target
Engagement
Single Target Engagement gives you the ability to see a live feed from the Kestrel device. Including environmental factors, and
gun parameters. It also allows you to adjust range to target, giving you a firing solution from your Kestrel remotely.
Multiple
Target
Engagement
This screen allows you to input up to 8 different targets. It will then generate firing solutions for each individual targets range.
Gun Profile
Management
Build, Save, Manage, and upload/download gun profiles to your Kestrel device.
Custom Drag
Curves
The nVisti Kestrel Companion Pro App comes pre-loaded with the complete custom drag curve library featuring over 530
bullets, and will be updated periodically in the future.
Coriolis Effect
& Spin Drift
You can figure in Coriolis acceleration and/or gyroscopic drift (spin drift) into your solution. Both Coriolis effects and spin drift are
optional features, easily disabled on the Kestrel device. See Kestrel User Manual for how to disable these.
Temp - Table
You can specify your load's powder temperature at the time you chronograhed along with the variation of muzzle velocity
inside the temp table. The Kestrel will then automatically adjust your muzzle velocity based on its current sensor readings.
Ballistic
Calibration
Sometimes it's not possible to accurately determine all the variables required to calculate an exact ballistic solution. As a
result, the Point Of Impact (POI) predicted by the program can be a little different from where the actual bullet hits in the real
world. One of the more powerful features of the Kestrel Device is the Drop Scale Factor (DSF). A user can calibrate the
program based on real world observed drop data at range by inputting pairs of observed range/drop data. This is also how you
correct for scope turret errors. While it may seem simple, behind the scenes complex calculations are doing more than just
adjusting muzzle velocity. The trajectory is being trued.
Dark Theme
A dark theme is used to preserve night vision during low/limited light conditions.
Metric Support
Data inputs/output can be configured to use Metric units.
Operational Overview
The general flow of the program is designed for quick access. Guns are stored on the Kestrel, but can also be uploaded to the device from the field.
This allows you to make changes on the fly, or to load any rifle on to a Kestrel device from the field, without the use of a Computer. The following sections
cover the details of operation.
1. Your Kestrel Applied Ballistics must be on firmware 4.92 or higher in order to use this app. (See Kestrel User Guides/Downloads for how to
update firmware) http://www.nkhome.com/support/kestrel-support/manuals-and-downloads
2. Your Kestrel must be paired to your Android device before you attempt to use this app. (See Kestrel Manual for how to pair your Kestrel)
3. Changing weapons must be performed on the Kestrel itself. You can upload/download gun profiles from this app, but you can only change the
gun profile currently in use on the Kestrel itself. From AB Mode, scroll down to Gun and highlight it. Then simply press the left and right keypad
arrows to change the gun.
4. The compass must be calibrated before you attempt to use this program. If your compass is not calibrated this will not work properly. (See
Kestrel User Guide for how to calibrate compass).
5. For Coriolis to be correct, you must input your Latitude on the Kestrel Device itself. (Latitude is found under Environment on AB Mode).
6. Spindrift can be disabled on the Kestrel Device itself from the Environment Menu in AB Mode.
7. Target direction is set on the Kestrel Device itself, and cannot be changed from the app.
8. Units of Measure. Changing the Units of Measure on the Kestrel Device will not affect the Units in the App and vice versa. You must select the
units you wish to use independently on the Device, and the App.
9. Batteries – The Kestrel Device is designed to work with Energizer Ultimate Lithium Batteries only, the use of other types of batteries can cause
errors and problems. DO NOT USE ADVANCED LITHIUM BATTERIES. The use of Advanced Lithium batteries will cause compass errors, which will
not allow you to use wind direction and speed capture. It will also prevent target direction capture.
Common Questions
Firing Solution Errors. Most of the time, if the firing solution is wrong, especially in the super-sonic trajectory, it is because of bad information input in to the
program. Muzzle Velocity, and incorrect BC being the most common reasons. If you are pointing your own bullets, you can expect the BC to improved, and
the firing solution to be slightly off. This can be corrected by altering your own BC, or by using the Drop Scale Factor. Whichever way you decide to do it,
keep in mind, most firing solution errors are user induced.
Using a suppressor. If you have a weapon that is suppressed, the easiest way to account for this, is by using the zero height, and zero offset. Zero the
weapon with the suppressor on, if that is how it will most commonly be used. Then create a second profile for that weapon. Remove the suppressor and
note the offset, input these in to the zero height/offset section.
MV shift with Temp Shift. You do have the option to input a MV Temp Table in the weapon management system. A common error is to only test MV once,
and then not account for the shift due to temperature change. One day your firing solution is spot on, then a month later it’s off. Keep in mind powder burn
rates change with temperature. This needs to be accounted for.
Turret Tracking Errors (Correcting For Turret Errors): This is accounted for in the DSF. You can input 1 field that is in the super-sonic range of the DSF. All
other inputs need to be in the transonic to subsonic range. There is much more going on behind the scenes in the DSF than simply correcting Muzzle
Velocity. It is far more complex than it seems. If you need to account for turret errors do it with the DSF function.
Ballistic Calibration: Drop Scale Factor (DSF) is downloaded from the Kestrel to the Android Device, in the background. You must do a DSF calibration on the
Kestrel unit itself, and this cannot be adjusted inside the app. You will not be able to see the DSF from inside the app.
Main Screen
From the main screen you have quick access to 4 functions. You also have the settings, which can be accessed
from any screen by using your phones menu button. Pressing your devices back button from any of the function
screens will return you to the Main Screen. NOTE: Before you begin to use this app, make sure your Kestrel Device
is paired, and that you visit the settings menu, and properly adjust your settings.
Device Selection and Pairing
Main Menu – Choose Device Selection
and Pairing
Pick Your Device from Pop Up
Connection Indicator
You must pair your Kestrel Device to your Android
Device BEFORE you attempt to use this app. This process may
be different depending on your device. Once it is paired, you
then need to tell the application which Bluetooth device is
your preference. Click on Device Selection and Pairing, this is
where you choose your Kestrel device. Simply tap here, and
once the menu pops up tap your Kestrel device, and the
program will know which device to automatically connect to.
Refer to the Kestrel User Guide, and your individual devices
instructions on how to pair Bluetooth devices.
Also note on several screens you have a Bluetooth
Connection button. Blue indicates connected, Red indicates
dis-connected. Simply tap this button to activate the
connection.
Settings
The settings are accessed by pressing the menu button, then choosing settings.
Regardless of the units chosen on the Kestrel itself, you can choose any units you wish to
use in the app.
Changing units in the app will not affect the Kestrel settings and vice versa.
Settings can be accessed from any Function Screen.
Profile Downloads: This setting is important. If you want downloaded profiles to
overwrite current profiles on your Android Device then switch this option. By default it
appends the profile, instead of overwriting them.
Target Engagement
Single Target
Not- Connected
Connected
Single Target Engagement gives you the ability to have a live feed
which is updated every 1 second. You will see wind direction, and wind
speeds at the top of this screen. Inside the clock direction indicator, you
will see your elevation adjustment, and your windage adjustments. Note:
The target direction needs to be set in the Kestrel itself, and cannot be
changed via the app. At the bottom of the firing solution you will have
basic Bullet, Gun, and Environmental data. More detailed data can be
found on the Kestrel itself.
Range adjustment: By swiping your finger up and down anywhere on
this screen you can adjust the range to the target. You can also fine tune
this range with the +/- buttons at the bottom of the screen. You can use
the keypad to hand enter a range by clicking on the range number at the
bottom, or you can adjust the range on the Kestrel itself. Note: you can
adjust the swipe value changes in the settings. So that swiping changes by
different increments. Anywhere from 1 to 25 yards/meters at a time.
Connecting to a Kestrel: You must have already paired your Kestrel to
your Android Device, AND have set it up under Device Selection and
Pairing. If you have not done this, then the connection will fail. Click the
Red Kestrel Icon and once it is connected/running the icon will turn Green.
To disconnect it, simply touch the icon again.
Do not forget to mark your target direction on the Kestrel itself.
Multiple Targets
Cleared Screen
Computed Target Holds
From this function you have the ability to input the range to 8 different
targets. Once you are connected to a Kestrel Device, simply input the
ranges you need. Then select Compute Holds, it will then one by one
calculate your firing solution for each target. All parameters other than
range must be updated on the Kestrel Device itself, including weapon
selection. These ranges are saved, so if you exit the app, the next time
you open it, they will remain input. You can also clear your holds using
the Clear Holds button. Once you are ready, just make sure the
Bluetooth Symbol is Blue indicating its connected (red indicates it is not
connected), and press computer target holds.
Gun Profile Management
Gun Creation/Deletion
You have the ability to create, store, upload, and download profiles to the Kestrel device. This section will cover Gun Management, the next section will cover
uploading/downloading profiles. The Kestrel can store up to 16 different gun profiles. You will also notice you have the ability to create Temp Tables, and to change from
G1 or G7. Note Custom Drag Curves lock out the ability to change this. To delete a profile simply check the box next to that gun, press the menu button, and delete the
profile/profiles you have selected. NOTE: Always select the bullet first. If you create the weapon then choose a bullet, your weapon profile will be reset. Also if you exit
this screen for any reason without saving, your profile will reset. Always save your work before leaving this screen.
Gun Profile Management Menu
Select Bullets from Here
Select Caliber
Select Brand
Select Bullet
Select Drag Curve
Save Completed Profile
Create As Many As You Want
Uploading/Downloading Profiles to Kestrel
nVisti Kestrel Companion Pro has the ability to send (upload) your current weapon profile to a Kestrel, and other Applied Ballistic
Compatible Devices via Bluetooth. This does require you have a Bluetooth version of the devices you wish to upload to. There are a couple of
settings that must be enabled first in order to do this. Also before you start this process ensure you have completed you have paired your device,
and completed your weapon profile in the Companion Pro App. See the notes before proceeding to the demonstration. Kestrel Device Bluetooth
must be on, and the Kestrel must be paired to the device you are running the app on.
WARNING for Kestrel Sportsman Users: You can use this system to send a profile to a Kestrel Sportsman, HOWEVER. You need to verify you are
using a G1 or G7 BC first. You can do this from the Gun Profile Management Screen. If you attempt to upload to a Kestrel Sportsman with a Custom
Drag Curve, it will successfully upload, HOWEVER your BC will be set to 1.0 which will give you an error in your firing solution.
WARNING – Uploading profiles will DELETE the current gun profiles on your Kestrel. If you want to save any profiles you need to “Get Profiles”
before you “Send Profiles”
The proper steps are shown and described below for uploading a profile to the Kestrel (or other AB devices).
Step 1) On the Kestrel make sure Bluetooth is on, the Kestrel and your Device are already paired, and go to AB Mode
Step 2) Connect to Kestrel (Press Connection Button).
Step 3) If you have any profiles you don’t want to lose on the Kestrel then you need to download them by pressing “Get Profiles”
Step 4) Check the boxes next to the profiles you want to upload.
Step 5) Click “Send Profiles”, it will then indicate as each profile is uploaded, and it will delete all current profiles on the kestrel.
Step 6) After uploading on the Kestrel Device from the Main Menu go to Gun Selection, the guns you just uploaded will be turned off. Double check
each gun to make sure the data is correct. Turn on the gun profiles you want access to by highlighting that gun and pressing the left or right on
keypad..
Step 7) From AB Mode on the Kestrel, select the gun you currently want to use. To do this, highlight the word gun, and press the left or right arrow
until it displays. Note: if it does not display, make sure in step 6 it is turned on. This will be the gun used for firing solutions.
IMPORTANT USER TIP: Guns can be turned on or off. Sometimes during an update, guns are turned off. Updates generally do not erase gun profiles. If a gun seems to
have gone missing after an update, check the Gun Selection menu, which is found on the main menu, and see if that gun was simply turned off. Also guns can be turned
off when not in use. If you own a dozen weapons, but are only taking two to the range. You can turn the guns you do not have with you off. This will help ensure you
don’t accidently select the wrong gun on the Kestrel Device, but it also makes choosing weapons easier for those with multiple guns in the library.
Gun Profile Management Menu
AB Mode
Gun Selection Menu
Action Buttons At Bottom
Current Gun Selection
Environment:
To have wind display live data highlight
wind.
Press the capture button once,
wind is now active.
Environmental factors are automatically populated when connected. However
wind must be in capture mode in order to live feed, and environment must be
turned on. Turning environment off will freeze the current readings, and is
advised in some situations. To start wind capture mode:
1. Highlight wind on the Kestrel Device.
2. Press the Capture Button
(has a camera icon on it) once. The word Wind
will change to W with an Arrow. Pressing the capture button again will lock in
your current wind. If you wish to use a live wind feed, example: you have the
kestrel in a wind vane mount, then only press the wind capture button once, and
leave wind capture running.
IMPORTANT USER TIP: Environment can be turned off, from the Environment
Menu, in AB Mode. If you are using a wind vane mount in the open summer sun, or sitting open on a shooting mat in the hot sun, this can cause false
environmental readings. Think about how hot the scope on your weapon is, if you leave it out in the summer sun for too long. The same thing can happen to
your Kestrel. It is advised that if you are leaving this device in the direct sun for prolonged periods that you turn environment off, and only turn it back on
periodically to update the readings. When you turn it back on, swing it by the lanyard over your head for 20-30 seconds to get air moving over the sensors, then
capture you reading, and turn it back off if you plan to place it back in the direct sun for a prolonged period.
Side Note: Atmospheric inputs have historically been the least understood and caused the most trouble for shooters running ballistics programs, in particular the
pressure inputs. The following discussion elaborates on the correct way to manage these variables. Basically there are two options for describing pressure to a
ballistics program; 1) Enter the barometric (aka corrected) pressure and altitude, or 2) Enter the Station pressure where you are. Some definitions are in order
regarding barometric and station pressure.
Barometric pressure is also known as sea level corrected pressure, and is what the weather station and airports report because it's useful for pilots and making
weather assessments. Barometric pressure is not the actual air pressure where you are, rather it's a number that's corrected to sea level. In order to determine
the actual air pressure where you are (which is what the ballistics program cares about), you have to account for the effects of altitude. However if you have a
handheld weather meter like a Kestrel, you can measure Station Pressure directly which is the actual air pressure where you are. This is the preferred method of
inputting pressure data because it's one less input and relies on only one measurement instead of two.
A common error is to mistake station pressure for barometric or vice versa. The consequence of this error is that the wrong air density gets applied which
degrades the accuracy of trajectory predictions. This error is increasingly more severe the higher up you are above sea level.
To further clarify the output from the Kestrel, here is an excerpt from the Kestrel user's manual:
"Some final notes - If you wish to know the actual or station pressure for your location (such as for
engine tuning), simply set the reference altitude on the BARO screen to “0”. In this case, the Kestrel
Meter will not make any adjustment and will display the measured value. (Engine tuning and ballistics
software sometimes refer to atmospheric or station pressure as “absolute pressure.” These applications
are concerned with the actual air density, as opposed to pressure gradients relating to weather, so
barometric pressure is less useful."
Requirements:



Android v4.2 or higher.
Bluetooth support on both the Phone and Kestrel Device is required. (Bluetooth 4.0 or higher is recommended)
Region and Carrier Limitations: This app is not approved for all regions and/or carriers at this time. Some carriers may choose to block this app due to the
nature of its content.
Not Required:

You do not need GPS, Internet, or Cell Service to run calculations.